Olla-Podrida: tablescape ideas

Showing posts with label tablescape ideas. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Night of the Iguana Tablescape

This tablescape was inspired by the cover of the April issue of Missouri Conservationist magazine. While I named my table “Night of the Iguana” (reminded of the 1964 Richard Burton, Eva Gardner film of the same title – here’s hoping dinner will be less angst-filled and dramatic than the film) no iguanas are present, I just thought this sounded much catchier than “Night of the Eastern Collared Lizard” (as featured on the cover below) — no doubt you’ll agree. People ask me where I get ideas for tables, well, here's a fine example.

The entire look started with yardage from Spoonflower used as a table covering that sets a soft, reptilian, grassy stage.

Layered on top are shimmery green chargers that catch every flicker of light like dew on a prairie rock.

A sunny yellow Waechtersbach dinner plate sits front and center. The yellow plate is then topped with a salad plate by Fiestaware in the “Meadow” color, topped by a Pfaltzgraff Naturewood salad plate that peeks out from behind faux greenery just enough to feel like it’s emerging from the underbrush.

A Fitz and Floyd Toulouse Green appetizer plate finishes the stack.

At the heart of the table, a gorgeous Creative Co-Op Stoneware Reactive Glaze Pitcher takes center stage. Filled with lush faux grass and a gentle battery-powered candle, it glows like a tiny lantern in the tall grass. A pair of sleek cordless table lamps flank the pitcher, casting a warm, modern light that makes the whole scene feel alive after sunset.

Gold flatware adds a quiet sparkle, while crisp green napkins from Amazon and Winston Porter Knizair Glass butter dishes from Wayfair complete each place setting with effortless charm.

The green water glasses are from Villeroy and Boch, the cups and saucer are vintage Franciscan.

Tucked in amongst the plates is a small black iron lizard that I got from Pottery Barn. It has a small glass insert so it can be used as a salt cellar, but I love it just the way it is.

The result? A tablescape that feels like a love letter to the Missouri prairie—bright, playful, and completely at home whether you’re hosting a casual summer supper or just want your everyday meals to feel a little more wild.

No iguanas were harmed (or even invited), but the spirit of that bold little lizard is very much present.

Many thanks to Rita of Panoply for organizing this Summer Tablescape Blog Hop.

Click on the links below for more Spring/Easter table inspiration from my blogging friends:

Panoply - Happy 250th Birthday, America!

Home is Where the Boat Is - Oh My Stars & Stripes

Hyacinths for the Soul - Celebrate With a Patriotic Heart

Olla-Podrida - Night of the Iguana Tablescape

Everyday Living - America is 250: Let's Celebrate!

Me and My Captain - Belmont Stakes, The Last Race of Triple Crown

The Cats Whiskerz - A Gardener's Tablescape

Pandora’s Box - Summer Patriotic Tablescape and Kitchen Cart

Life and Linda - A Whimsical Elegant Pastel Summer Table

The Bookish Dilettante - Tablescape for America 250

My Thrift Store Addiction - Summer Serenity in the Garden: Elegant Breakfast For One

Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Celebrating America's Favorite Pastime

Thrifting Wonderland - Searching for Summer: A Thrifted Tablescape

Red Cottage Chronicles - From Antiquing to Dinner: A Simple Summer Gathering with Friends

Dinner at Eight - A Casual Summer Table Inspired by Island Daydreams

Mantel and Table - Blue and White Tablescape - How to Enjoy a Beautiful Summer

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This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Blossoming into Easter: My Floral Tablescape Makeover

Last week, I shared a serene, sage-toned tablescape and mentioned how “with only a few quick swaps, it can easily shift into bolder, brighter hues as summer draws near.” Well, summer may still feel far off, but with Easter just around the corner, I couldn’t resist giving that table a joyful, colorful refresh!

If you click through, you’ll see the transformation: the beautiful Bordallo Pinheiro geranium leaf bowls have been moved to the side, perfect now for serving a fresh spring salad. I cleared away the herb appetizer plates to let the stunning floral designs on the Portmeirion “Botanic Garden” dinner plates take center stage—they truly shine!

I traded the sage napkins for vibrant floral ones from Pottery Barn that add instant cheer. Out went some of the glassware; in came my beloved salmon-colored water and wine glasses—purchased back in the 70s right out of college because I fell head over heels for them, and I love them just as much now.

The large Portmeirion butterfly cups and saucers stepped aside to make room for Bordallo Pinheiro geranium leaf espresso cups—ideal for after-dinner coffee and a lovely echo of the cabbage leaf salad bowls.

Finally, I refreshed the centerpiece by blending last week’s cherry blossoms with a mix of soft pink and cranberry carnations plus alstroemeria. Voilà—a completely new, festive table is born!

The best part? It really is that simple to transition from one season (or holiday) to the next with just a handful of thoughtful changes. Who else loves playing mix-and-match with their favorite pieces?